Tarkanian Keeps UNLV Door Open

Attorneys for Nevada Las Vegas basketball Coach Jerry Tarkanian have set the stage for a possible fight to keep him coaching the Runnin’ Rebels past the end of the current season.

Tarkanian, though, said he hasn’t made up his mind whether to try to rescind his resignation, which will become effective after the March 3 game against Utah State.

“I haven’t decided anything,” said Tarkanian, whose supporters claim the university conspired to force him to resign. “I just don’t know right now. I haven’t made any decision on that.”

Tarkanian attorney Alan Jones sent UNLV legal counsel Brad Booke a letter claiming that the university had breached terms of a confidential agreement reached last summer that paved the way for Tarkanian to coach this final season before leaving UNLV.

On Wednesday, members of the basketball team voted 8-2 to sue the NCAA to try to get a place in the postseason tournament.

Tarkanian said the vote was not final and that a decision would be made by Friday. Tarkanian said even if the Rebels made the tournament he would not coach.